The 32 Forms of Ganapati

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32 FORMS OF GANAPATI

 

After having understood the concept, if the method of

worship is also understood, it will be even more

beneficial to us. Because the Divine phenomenon is

multifaceted and acts in innumerable ways, it is

impossible to symbolise all the aspects in one single

form. Therefore the sages have mentioned 32 different

forms of Ganapati for the convenience of seekers.

 

Why only 32? The number 32 reminds us of the number of

teeth. The word tooth reminds us of the solitary tooth

of Vinayaka. To symbolically indicate Ganapati who

eliminated plurality (of teeth) and established

oneness by exactly the same number of forms (as that

of teeth) is indeed an indication of the wonderful

skill of our Maharshis.

 

It was Chandra who gave a curious twist to the story

of

Ganapati. He has Shiva's head as his place. It is the

sixteenth Kala (the sixteenth phase). He has a total

of 31 phases -15 from the bright half of a month and

15 from the dark half. Ganapati is of the form of the

Kala which has transcended these 31 Kalas. Therefore

the rishis of yore have enumerated 32 forms of

Ganapati. Let us acquaint ourselves with the 32 names

and what each form signifies.

 

Form === Significance

 

Bala Ganapati Kind mental disposition to

children

Bhakta Ganapati Protection of devotees

Taruna Ganapati Compassionate attitude

Veera Ganapati Abundance of strength

Shakti Ganapati Achieving aims

Dwija Ganapati Accomplishing victory

Siddha Ganapati Eight supernatural

accomplishments Uchchishta Ganapati Protection of the

state

Vighna Ganapati Removing the obstacles

Kshipra Ganapati Quick accomplishments of tasks

Heramba Ganapati Destroying of enemies

Lakshmi Ganapati Enhanced prosperity

Maha Ganapati Various glorious things.

Vijaya Ganapati Success in battle

Nritya Ganapati Excellence in arts

Urdhwa Ganapati Spiritual outlook

Ekakshara Ganapati Knowledge accomplishment

Rina Mochan Ganapati Freedom from debts

Pratyaksha Ganapati Educational accomplishment

Prasada Ganapati Peace of mind

Haridra Ganapati Accomplishment of auspicious

endeavours

Ekadanta Ganapati Overcoming desire/lust

Srishti Ganapati Power of discrimination

Uddanda Ganapati Presence of mind which gives an

edge over others

Dunthi Ganapati Destruction of internal enemies

Dvimukha Ganapati Accomplishment of happiness

Trimukha Ganapati Blessings of Dattatreya

Simha Ganapati Destruction of evil qualities

Yoga Ganapati Accomplishment of Dhyana

 

Durga Ganapati Protection while travelling

Sankashta Ganapati Eradication of hardship

Vara Ganapati Fulfilment of desires

 

('Baalaka priyane baala Ganapati' , a composition by

Sri Swamiji describes the 32 Ganapati forms and their

significance.)

 

 

 

 

 

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